Process of preparing 15-carboxydehydroequilenin compounds, and products of such process



Patented Oct. 31, 1950 PRQCESS F PREPARING -CARBOXY-' DEHYDROZEQUILENIN COMPOUNDS, AND PROD'UGTS @F SUCH PRQCIESS Madison, Wis, Jack W.

William S. Johnson,

Petersen, Gutsche, St. Louis,

Gahland, Califi,

Alumni Research Form a corporation of Wisconsin No Drawing.

1946, Serial and Carl David Md, assignors to Wisconsin dation, Madison, Wis.,

Original application October 1, No. 700,380. Divided and this application November 13, 194?, Serial No. 785,824

'19 Claims. (01. 260,397.1)

The invention of this application is directed to the production of certain 15carboxydehydr0 equilenin compounds having a double bond in ring D, and to those compounds themselves; Which are useful in the synthesis of steroids of the type in which both rings A and B are arematic-and especially in the synthesis of equilenin and desoXyequilenin-and are produced by the fourth step of that synthesis.

The complete synthesis of these steroids involves five steps; which, however, except as will be indicated, we believe to be individually new. The claims of the present application are directed specifically to th fourth step, and to the products obtained thereby; and the first, second, third, and fifth steps form the subject-matter of four separate applications, respectively. The present application is a division, as are three of Said four companion applications, of the fourth of those companion applications; which is directed specifically to the fifth step of the synthesis, and which is Serial No. 700,380, filed October 1, 1946. The filing of the divisional applications is in response to a requirement for division by the Patent Gfiice, made. in such parent application Serial No. 700,380, in which all five steps and their products were originally claimed.

Because the claims of the present applications are limited to the fourth step of the complete synthesis, only that step will be described in full detail in this application; and the other four steps will be set forth only in the general description.

The five steps of the complete synthesis of the steroids are as follows:

a. l-keto-l-R-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, in which R indicates a substituent in the class consisting of hydrogen and lowerealkoxy. groups (including lower-aralkoxy groups) desirably either hydrogen or the methoxy group, is condensed with a lower-alkyl formate, conveniently ethyl formate, in the presence of sodium methoXide, and. desirably in an inert solvent, such as benzene for example; to produce 1-keto-2-hydroxymethylene-T-R-l,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenantherene, as follows:

(1) H\/H H\ H n n n BB 4 3 H\/\OHOH This product is new when R is an alkoxy or" aralkoxy group, but not when R is hydrogen.

b. 1-keto-2-hydroxymethylene-'7-R-I,2,3,4-tet rahydrophenanthrene is treated with hydroxyl-- amine, desirably as the hydrochloride dissolved in acetic acid; to produce 10,11-dihydro-7-R- phenanthro[2,l-dlisoxazole, as follows;

This product is-new.

c. Ihe 10,1l-dihydro-l-R-phenanthro[2,1-d]- isoxazole, desirably in an inert solvent, benzene for example, is treated with an alkali-metal alkoxide, conveniently sodium methoxide, followed by a methyl heavy-halide, preferably methyl iodide but permissibly methyl bromide; to produce (first) Z-cyano-l-keto-I-R-2-sodio-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene, which is commonly not isolated, and (second) 2-cyano-1-keto-7-R-2- methyl-l,23,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, as fol lows:

By treating the product of reaction 3 with a mineral acid, we can get a modification in which a hydrogen atom takes the place of the sodium atom; and, if desired, that modified product, after being treated with sodium methoxide, may be used as the starting point for reaction 4.

d. The 2-cyano-1-keto-7-R-2-methyl-1,2,33- tetrahydrophenanthrene is condensed with a dilower-alkyl succinate, preferably dimethyl succinate, in the presence of an'alkali-metal tertiary-lower-alkoxide, conveniently potassium tertiary-butoxide; preferably followed by treatment with a mineral acid, for instance hydrochloric acid; to produce a l5-carboalkoxy-l4,l5- dehydroequilenin ether or l5carboalkoxyl4,15 dehydrodesoxyequilenin, according to whether R is a radical or hydrogen; and the product so obtained is hydrolyzed, desirably with barium hydroxide followed by hydrochloric acid, to give the free acid, a 'l5-carboxy-15,16-dehydroequilenin ether or l5-carboxy-15,16-dehydroclesoxyequilenin, as follows when the di-loweralkyl succinate used is dimethyl succinate:

ON (EH20 O CH3 hydrolysis similar shifting of the double bond has been observed in reaction 5. The shifting of the double bond in reaction 6 may not be completely quantitative, but it occurs in such large degree that no absence of it has been observed in the reaction product.

e. This free acid, 15-carboxy-15,16-dehydroequilenin ether or l5-carboxy-15,16-dehydrodesoxyequilenin, is decarboxylated by heating under reduced pressure; to produce a mixture of two isomeric dehydroequilenin ethers or a mixture of two isomeric dehydrodesoxyequilenins according to whether R is a radical or hydrogen. The isomers of each pair probably difier by having a double bond in the 14,15-position on the one hand and in the 15,16-position on the other. This product, with or without separating its component isomers, is hydrogenated, desirably over a palladium-charcoal catalyst, to produce two compounds, one of which is a racemic equilenin ether or a racemic desoxyequilenin and the other of which is a racemic isoequilenin ether or a racemic desoxyisoequilenin, in each case according to Whether R, is a radical or hydrogen. The two compounds so produced are stereoisomers in each case. These two compounds are separated, as by fractional crystallization. In

the case where R is hydrogen, this separation gives directly d,l-desoxyequilenin and d,l-des oxyisoequilenin. In the case where R. is methoxy, the separated compounds are demethylated, by known methods, to obtain respectively d,lequilenin and d,l-isoequilenin. The d,l-equilenin is resolved, by known methods, to obtain d-equilenin, which is found to be identical with natural equilenin. The main reactions involved are as follows:

( CH5 CH3 V i? H I? H H 0 heat A o I G D o oooH H a Double R B bond in ringD The products of reaction '7 are new.

(8) CH: CH: as g V i H H H H 4 C D Pd0 I /\/\/l g A B Double H bond in demethylation R ringD R s when R is methoxy Reactions 6 and 7 may be combined into a single step which involves both hydrolysis as in reaction 6 and decarboxylation as in reaction 7, by treatment with a mixture of a lower-aliphatic acid and a mineral acid, conveniently acetic and hydrochloric acids; although in the event Where R is alkoxy or aralkoxy, it may be dealkylated to hydroxy. For example, l5-carboethoxy-14,15- dehydrodesoxyequilenin is treated with a mixture of acetic and hydrochloric acids to give directly ataaooi the mixture oirtwo isomeric dehydrodesoxyequilenins, as follows:

A B bondin W mp The following are examples .of the process of the present application, and the products ob- .tainedthereby-obtained by the first four of the fivesteps of thecomplete steroid synthesis. The melting points iven are all'corrected for stem exposure.

Example 1.-.- The preparation of -carbowy- 15,16-dehydroequilenin methyl others, useful for preparingequilenin =next*=s'tep. 'The 17.73 g, of that hydroxyme'thyl- --ene ketone is dissolved in about400 cc. of glacial aceticlaci'd, and the solution is stirred'with 7. g. of dry powdered hydroxylamine hydrochloride at about 68-70 C. -(the temperature-of solution) for about 7 hours. The solution becomes pink. The hot pink solution is diluted with about an equal volume of hot water'to the point of incipient cloudiness, and then allowed 'to cool; and. on such cooling -a .deposit is obtained of usually col- .orless (although sometimes colored) crystals of 10,11-dihydro- 7 -.methoxyphenanthro[2,1-dlisox- 'azole. The yield is about15.8l g. (or about*'%.) .after dryingat IUD- ,C. The melting point is about 137-138 C., withssoftenin precedin melting. Purification may beobtained by evaporative distillation at C. at 0.5 to 1 mm. pressure, followed by recrystallization from av mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate; which gives colorless crystals melting at 1395-140" C.

Analysis shows the following: Calculated for CieHmOzN': C, 76.47%; H, 5.21%. 76.71%; H, 5.07%.

The crude isoxazole may contain a small amount of a benzene-insoluble material, possibly a phenolic product resulting from demethylation;

{To a suspension of powdered sodium methoxide,

' i -formed. This precipitate is dissolvedby shakin with .ether and ice water, and thenallowing the whole toseparate into two layers. The water layer, which contains the 1-keto-7-methoxy-2- 'hydroxymethylene 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene in the formof the sodio derivative, is separated from the etherlayer and preserved; and for complete recovery the-ether layer is desirably washed thoroughlywithwater and with dilute potassium hydroxide solution and the washings added to the separated aqueous layer. The combined aqueous solution is then acidified, to cause separation of the 1-keto-2-hydroxymethylene-7- methoxy 1,2,3,4 tetrahydroxyphenanthrene, as yellow crystals. As first obtained, these give a yield of about 17.73 g. (or 95%) ,-me1ting at about 130-131.5 C.; which is of satisfactory purit for the next step. The crystals may be purified if desired, as by recrystallization several times with alcohol; but the melting point is not materially changed, although somewhat sharpened, for the recrystallized crystals have a melting point of 130.?130-6 C,

Analysis shows the following: Calculated for 016111403: C, 75.57%; H, 5.55%. Found: C, 75.37%; H, 5.68%.

The yellow crystalline l-keto-Z-hydroxymethylene-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene thus obtained is used as the starting point for the the mixture is evacuated; and

but is nevertheless sufiiciently pure for the next step.

The above procedure may be conveniently altered in the following way: A mixture of 16.87 g. of the crude 1 keto 2 hydroxymethylene-7- methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, 400 cc. of glacial acetic acid, and 6.91 g. of hydroxylamine hydrochloride, is quickly heated to boiling in an oil bath maintained at about C. The refluxing is lhen continued for about 7 minutes, whereupon the solution (which is now red) is diluted with hot water until definitely turbid.

The whole is then allowed to cool several hours in an ice box, during which time crystallization of the 10,11 dihydro 7 methoxyphenanthro- [2,l-dlisoxazole occurs. The isoxazole as thus obtained is in the form of tan-colored plates melting at about 137-138 C., and the yield is about 15.80 'g. (about 95%)..

The next step may be either in two parts or in onepart. I

If it is in two parts, it is as follows:

FIRST PART To a cool solution of 0.9 g. of sodium in 11 cc.

of methanol is added a filtered solution of 6.66 g.

of the crude 10,11-dihydro-7-methoxyphenanthro[2,1-dl-isoxazole in 80 cc. of dry benzene. The mixture is stirred during the addition, which should take about 10 minutes, and then is stirred for about 3 hours longer, all at room temperature. Ether is added, and the mixture is shaken with successive portions of water (desirably about 1.5 liters in all). The water dissolve the product of the reaction, which is 2-cyano-l-keto-7 -methoxy- 2-sodio-l,2,3,4 -tetrahydrophenanthrene and is sparingly water-soluble, The water and ether layers are allowed to stand, so that they separate; and the water layers are removed and preserved. For increased yield, the ether layer is desirably extracted with dilute potassium hydroxide solution, and the extract is combined with the separated water layers. The combined aqueous extract is then acidified, as with hydrochloric acid; and gives about 6.23 g. (94% yield) of a yellow solid, Z-cyano-l-keto-7-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, melting at about 164-168.5 C. Although this is suiiiciently pure for the remainder of the process, it may be purified; as by Found: C,

not, which is 2-oyano 1 keto *vacuum sublimation, followedby recrystallization from alcohol, to '169.5-,-171 0. Analysis of the purified product shows the following:

Calculated for CISHISOZNI C, 76.47%; H, 5.21%. Found: C, 76.28%; H, 5.38%.

SECOND PART For this part, 6.00 g. of the crude 2-cyano-1- Fketo-Y-methoxy- 1-,'2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene and 30 cc. of dry benzene are added to a solution :of 2.64 g. of sodium in 50 cc. of methanol; and the whole is refluxed for minutes, with stir- :ring. The mixture is cooled, 8 cc. of methyl iodide .is added, and thestirring is continued at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Then an additional 8 cc. of methyl iodide is added, and the stirring is continued until solution is practically complete, which usually takes about 2 or 3 hours. The solution is then heated under refiux conditions, for about 2 hours, to complete the reaction; .anda few drops of acetic acid are added to neutralize the mixture, after which most of the solvent is removed by evaporation in a current of air; Then about 100 cc. of water is added; after which the product is extracted with a mixture of benzene and ether, the organic layer is separated from the water layer, and the solution thus obtained is successively washed thoroughly with water, several portions of dilute potassium hydroxide solution, and saturated salt solution. The benzene-ether solution is then dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate; and then the solvent is removed by evaporation to leave a solid residue; which is crystallized from alcohol. This gives about 5.05 g. (an 80% yield) of pale yellow crystals, melting, at about 1325-1345 C. preceded by a softening at about 130 C. This prod- 7 methoxy-2- methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, is sufficiently pure for use for the remainder of the process. The yellow crystals may be purified if desired, however, by evaporative distillation at 150 C. under a pressure of 0.5 to 1 mm., followed by recrystallization from ethyl acetate; which gives colorless needles melting at 135-1375 C. Analysis of the purified product shows the following: Calculated for C17H15O2N: C, 76.96%; H, 5.707. Found: C, 77.10%; H, 5.90%.

If it is desired to produce the Z-cyano-l-ketomethoxy-Z-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene in one step from the 10,11-dihydro-7- methoxyphenanthro[2,1-dlisoxazole, it may be done by direct methylation as follows:

To a cool solution of sodium methylate, formed by dissolving 7.5 g. of sodium in 65 cc. of methanol is added, with stirring, a solution of 10.0 g. of the crude isoxazole in 100 cc. of dry benzene. The addition is made slowly, so that it takes about 20 minutes. The sodio derivative of the desired cyano compound is formed, as indicated by the appearance of a yellow precipitate. The mixture is then stirred at room temperature for about minutes. Then 15 cc. of methyl iodide is added, without any preliminary separation, and the mixture is stirred for about 1 hour; and then 10 cc of methyl iodide is introduced, and the stirring is continued for about one-half hour. Then 5 cc. of methyl iodide is added, and the whole is refiuxed for about 2 hours, and the solution is worked up as described in the preceding two-step process following the addition of the methyl iodide. In this one-step method, the 2-cyano-1- keto-7-methoxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene is obtained directly as give yellow plates melting at.

almost colorless 8 crystals, melting at about 135437 C.,' with "a yield of about 9.25 g., or about 88% of the theo+ retical amount.

A second crop of crystals may if desired be ob tained from the mother liquor. These crystals are undoubtedly a mixture, melting at about 100420 0., and we are not sure what they are.

The 2 cyano-1-keto-7-methoxy 2 methyl- 1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene, whether obtained by the two-step or the one-step process, may be used as the starting point for the next step, to produce a 15-carboalkoxy-14,15-dehydro equilenin methyl ether. We have not seen any evidence of the shifting of the position of the double bond in ring D at this stage.

The 15-carboethoxy compound is prepared as follows:

A solution is made of 1.08 g. of potassium in 40 cc. of tertiary-butyl alcohol. The system containing the solution is evacuated of air and filled with nitrogen, and then there are successively added (a) 6.8 cc. of diethyl succinate, and (b) 3.30 g. of the crude Z-cyano-1-keto-7-methoxy- Z-m'ethyl-1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene; which latter-is conveniently transferred with the aid of an additional '15 cc. of t'ertiary butyl alcohol. The system is desirably again evacuated, and refilled with nitrogen. Then the mixture is heated in an oil bath maintained at 50-55 C. .for about 2 hours; with suitable stirring (such as magnetic stirring) which will not interfere with the mainenance of the system undernitrogen. Then the mixture is cooled, and poured into excess dilute hydrochloric acid; after which the'tertiary butyl alcohol is removed by evaporation at reduced pressure, leaving a solid organic residue. 'A small amount of water is added, and then that solid organic residue is taken up in a mixture of benzene and ether, and the water and benzene-ether layers are allowed to separate on standing and the water layer is discarded; and the benzeneether layer is washed successively with dilute hydrochloric acid, water, two 50 cc. portions of 5% potassium hydroxide solution (which removes some but very little acidicmaterial), once again with water, and finally with saturated salt solution. The thus-washed benzene'solutio'n is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; andconcentrated by evaporation to a small volume. Then methanol is added, which causes the desired 15- carboethoxy-14,15-dehydroequilenin methyl ether to crystallize in the form of pale yellow fluffy needles, which melt at about 179-183 -C., after some preliminary softening at about 176 C. The yield is about 2.27 g. or about 52%. This methyl other is of sufficient purity for the succeeding step in the synthesis. It may be purified, however, if desired, by recrystallizing from benzenemethanol, and subliming at C.'under apressure of 0.5 to 1 mm., followed by recrystallization from ethyl acetate. Thisyields colorless felted needles melting at 1835-1842 C. Analysis of the purified product shows: Calculated for 'C22H22O42 C, 75.41%; H, 6.33%. Found: C, 75.64%; H, 6.47%.

The l5-carbomethoxy compound is prepared as follows:

A three-neck flask is fitted with a dropping funnel and a gas-tight stirrer (to enable"evacua tion of the system). The third neck of the flask is connected by pressure tubing to the top of the dropping funnel and to a threewa'ystop-cock, which will enable evacuation and admission of nitrogen gas. I

In the funnel is placed a solution of 4.0 g. or

. further purified, if

potassium in 100 cc. of pure, dry tertiary-butyl alcohol; and cc. of dimethyl succinate is then mixed with this solution. In the flask i placed 4.00 g. of crude, dry 2-cyano-l-keto-7-methoxy- 2 methyl-1,2,3,4 tetr-ahydrophenanthrene, and the whole system is evacuated and filled with nitrogen. About cc. of the solution in the funnel is then admitted to the flask. The mixture is then slowly stirred for 1 hour while the flask is heated in an oil bath maintained at about 53C.; during which time the color develops from almost colorless to orange. The remaining contents of the funnel is now added dropwise, at such a rate that addition is complete after about 4 hours, and the stirring and heating are continued as before during this period and for about 1 more hour after the addition is complete. The reaction mixture, which has now become bright yellow and pasty, is then cooled, and treated with 100cc. of 6 N hydrochloric acid; which gives a clear orange solution. The tertiary-butyl alcohol is removed in a current of nitrogen, water is added, and the suspension of yellow solid is extracted twice with benzene and the two benzene extracts combined. The combined benzene solution is washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, with water, with dilute potassium hydroxide solution, and'flnally several times with water. The benzene is then evaporated, as on a steam bath, in a current of nitrogen; which leaves a light yellow solid. This is triturated with petroleum ether, after which there remains about 4.06 g. (an 80% yield) of light yellow crytalline 15-carbomethoxyl4,l5-dehydroequilenin methyl ether melting at about 164-167" C. iactory'purity for the next step; but it may be desired, by recrystallization from methanol, which finally gives colorless plates melting at 170-17 1 C.

The analysis shows: Calculated for C21H20041 C, 74.98%; H, 5.99%. Found: C, 74.72%; H, 6.04%.

The l5-carbotertiarybutoxy-14,15-dehydroequilenin methyl ether is prepared as follows: To

a solution of 0.16 g. of potassium in 6 cc. of dry tertiary-butyl alcohol is added a solution of 1.4 g, of dietertiary-butyl succinate in 5 cc. of dry benzene. To this mixture is then added a solution of 0.500 g. of crude 2-cyano-1-keto-7-methoxy- 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene in 15 cc. of dry benzene, and the whole system is evacuated and filled with nitrogen. The benzene solution, which becomes red, is refluxed for 1 /4 hours; and is then treated with dilute hydrochloric acid as described in the procedure for making the 15-carbomethoxy product. The desired final 15- carbo-tertiary-butyl product is obtained in crude form by evaporation of the benzene, and is an orange-red oil; which isdissolved in 15 cc. of hot methanol and allowed to crystallize. The yield is about 0.094 g. (or 13%), of red plates melting at about 177-187 C. Purification may be obtained by sublimation at high vacuum and recrystallization from methanol. As thus obtained it is in the form of colorless needles melting at 191.5-193 C.

The analysis shows: Calculated for 024112604: C, 76.16%; H, 6.93%. Found: C, 75.60%; H, 6.97%.

Any of these 15-carboalkoxy-14,15-dehydro equilenin methyl ethers may be hydrolyzed to convert the carboalkoxy group at the 15-position to a' carboxy group; and during this hydrolysis a surprising shifting of the double bond in ring D occurs, from the 14-15 position to the 15-16 position, to make the reactioniproduct a 15-carboxy- This methyl ether is of satisiii) 15,16-dehydroequilenin methyl ether. For instance, a mixture of 2.27 g. of the crude 15- carboethoxy-14,15-dehydroequilenin ether obtained as above, and 2.27 g. of barium hydroxide o'cta'hydrate in 26 cc. of water and 34 cc. of alcohol, is boiled under reflux conditions in an atmosphere of nitrogen for one hour. This makes a pink' solution, which is concentrated under reduced pressure until crystallization begins; which crystallization is of the sparingly soluble barium salt of the 15-carboxy compound. Thesolution is cooled, and the barium salt is recovered by filtration and washed with water. The filtrate still contains'a small amount of the varium salt;

, which can be recovered as the 15-carboxy. acid by acidification of that filtrate, as with hydrochloric acid. The solidified barium salt may be converted iiitothe'15-carboxy acid by warming it with about 350cc. of. dilute hydrochloric acid. This acid is the desired l5-carboxy-15,16-dehydroequilenin methyl ether; and after being washed withwater it melts at about 194 195 C. with decomposition, preceded by some, softening at about 185 C. This 15-carboxy-.15,l6-dehydro product, which is obtainedin almost quantitative yield from the 15 carboethoxy 14,15-dehydro compound, is satisfactory for the next step of the synthesis. It may be purified somewhat, however, by being recrystallized three times from benzene and dried at 55-60 C. a'tjabout 5 mm. pressure for about 20 hours; which gives pale yellow crystals meltin at l96.5-l97.5 C. with decomposition. The analysis shows: Calculated for C20H1804I C, 74.52%; H, 5.63%. Found: C, 75.01%; H, 5.49%.

The hydrolysis may also be effected by an alternative procedure; which for the 15-carbomethoxy-14,15-dehydro compoundis as follows:

Tofa suspension of, 4.06 g. of the crude 15- carbomethoxy 14,15 dehydroequilenin methyl ether in 46 cc. of water and 60 cc. of alcohol is added 4.06 g. of barium hydroxideoctahydrate. The system is evacuated and filled with nitrogen, and is then refluxed for one hour. The pink solution is concentrated under reduced pressure until precipitation is obtained of the relatively insoluble barium salt of the l5-carboxy-15,l6-dehydro acid. The whole is then cooled, and mixed with about 600 cc. of about 6 N hy h ri a id, and the mixture is then heated on the steam bath for. about 1 /2 hours, to convert the barium salt into the 15-carboxy-15,16-dehydro acid; which is an orange crystalline product. This is separated by filtration, and without drying is recrystallized fromv benzene; which gives about 3.77 g. (a 97% yield)- of light orange crystals of 15- carboxy-15,16 dehydroequilenin .methyl ether; melting at about 194.5-196.5 C. It is desirable to dry the flnalproduct overnight at 100 in order to completely remove the benzene.

The 15-carboxy-l5,l6rdehydroequilenin methyl ether is the starting point forthe fifth step of the complete synthesis of equilenin, involving a decarboxylation, a hydrogenation and a resolution of isomers, all of which are outlined in the general description given above and are set forth in detail in the aforesaid parent application Serial No. 700,380, of which this application is a division.

To a suspension of powdered sodium methoxide,

(prepared by dissolving 1.28 g. of sodium in methanol,' removing the excess methanol by 11 evaporation under reduced pressure, and heating at approximately 200 C. for 1 hour under high vacuum), in 100 cc. of dry benzene, is added 4.12 g. of ethyl formate; after which is added a solution of 5.40 g. of 1-keto-1,2,3A-tetrahydrophenanthrene in 50 cc. of benzene. The system containing the mixture is evacuated, and then filled with nitrogen and allowed to stand at room temperature for about four hours, with occasional swirling. During this time the mixture very slowly assumes a slight pink tinge and gradually becomes very viscous. Cold Water is then added, followed by a small amount of ether to minimize formation of emulsions, and the whole is shaken well and then allowed to separate into two layers. The Water layer, which contains l-keto-2-hydroxymethylene -1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene in the form of its sodio derivative, is separated from the ether layer and preserved; and for complete recovery the ether layer is desirably washed thoroughly with water and with dilute potassium hydroxide solution and the washings added to the separated aqueous layer. The combined aqueous solution is then acidified, to cause the separation of the l-keto-2-hydroxymethylene- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, as a light-yellow solid. The yield of this product is about 5.82 g. (or 94%) and the melting point is about 82-83 C. This corresponds fairly closely with the melting point reported by Meyer and Reichstein for 3 the same compound produced by a different procedure. See Pharmaceutical Acta Helvetiae, vol. 19, page 128 et seq., published in 1944.

The 1-keto-2-hydroxymethylene-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene thus obtained is used as the starting point for the next step: 21.5 g. of that hydroxymethylene ketone is dissolved in about 410 cc. of glacial acetic acid, and the solution is stirred with 9.75 g. of dry powdered hydroxylamine hydrochloride at about 85 C. for about 6 hours. Sufficient crushed ice is then added to bring the volume of solution to about 2 liters. When the ice has melted, there is present a light pink solid, which is filtered off and dried in an oven at about 60 C. This solid is 10,11-dihydrophenanthro[2,1-dlisoxazole; it amounts to about 20 g. (a 94% yield), and has a melting point of about 104-107" C. This material is of satisfactory purity for the next step in the synthesis. Purification may be obtained if desired, by recrystallization from dilute alcohol; which gives colorless crystals melting at 109.8110.5 C.

Analysis shows the following: Calculated for CisHuON: C, 81.42%; H, 5.01%; N, 6.33%. Found: C, 81.71%; H, 4.90%; N, 6.48%.

The next step may be either in two parts'or in one part.

If it is in two parts, it is as follows:

FIRST PART To a cool solution of 3.2 g. of sodium in 40 cc. of methanol is added a solution of 20 g. of crude 10,11-dihydrophenanthro[2,l-d] isoxazole in 250 cc. of dry benzene. A yellow precipitate of 2-cyano-1-keto-2-sodio -1,2,3,4 tetrahydrophenanthrene-separates as the solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Ether is added, and the mixture is shaken with about 1 liter of water. The water and ether layers are allowed to stand, so that they separate; and the water layer isremoved and preserved. In order to recover more material from the ether layer, it is washed with successive portions of dilute sodium hydroxide, (desirably a total of about 4 liters), and these washings are all combined with the aqueous extract and then acidified, as with hydrochloric acid. This gives about 18.8 g. (a yield) of light tan Z-Cyano-l-keto- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, melting at about 125-1265 C. Although this is suiiiciently pure for the remainder of the process, it may be purified by recrystallization from dilute alcohol, which gives colorless plates melting at 128-129 C.

The analysis shows: Calculated for C15H11ON2 C, 81.42%; H, 5.01%; N, 6.33%. Foundz' C, 81.68%; H, 4.96%; N, 6.39%.

SECOND PART For the next step, 18.8 g. of the crude 2-cyanol-keto-12,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene dissolved in 67 cc. of Warm benzene is added to a solution of 7.3 g. of sodium in cc. of methanol; and the whole is refluxed for 15 minutes, with stirring. The mixture is cooled, 11 cc. of methyl iodide is added, and the stirring is continued at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Then an additional 11 cc. of methyl iodide is added, and the solution is allowed to stand for about 30 minutes. Finally 5 cc. more of methyl iodide is added, and the solution is refluxed for 1% hours to complete the reaction. The solvents are then removed under reduced pressure, and the residue is dissolved in benzene and is washed thoroughly with several portions of dilute potassium hydroxide solution. The benzene solution is then dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate; and the solvent is removed by evaporation to leave a solid residue, which is crystallized from methanol. This gives a total of about 16.7 g. (a yield of 83%) of material melting at about l21-l27 C. This product, is Z-cyano-l-keto-Z-methyl-1,2,3,4 tetrahydro-.

phenanthrene, and is sufiiciently pure for use,-

for the remainder of the process. The material may be purified if desired, however, by recrystallization from methanol; which gives colorless.

plates melting at 126-127 C. Analysis of the,

purified product shows the following: Calculated,

fOl CisHlsONZ C, 81.67%; H, 5.57%. C, 81.70%; H, 5.58%.

Found If it is desired to producethe 2-cyano-l-keto-- 2-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene in one: step from the 10,11-dihydrophenanthro[2,1-dl-- isoxazole, it may be done by direct methylation;

as follows:

To a cool solution of 0.6 g. of sodium in 28*. cc. of methanol is added a solution of 4.7 g. of? thecrude isoxazole in 17 cc. of benzene. This;

solution is allowed to stand for 30 minutes at; room temperature, and is then refluxed for 10; minutes and cooled. To this cool solution is now added 3 cc. of methyl iodide; and the mixtureis shaken, and then allowed to stand at room; temperature for 1 hour. A second portion (2 cc.) of methyl iodide is then added, and the solution is allowed to stand for 2 hours at room temperature, and then is refluxed for 4 hours. The reaction mixture is worked up as described in the preceding 2-step process following the addition of the methyl iodide. In this l-step method, the 2 cyano-l-keto-2-methyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene is obtained directly in about 91% yield. The weight is about 4.55 g. and the melting point is about l24.5126 C.

The 2-cyano-1 keto-2-methyl-1,2,3,l-tetrahydrophenanthrene, whether obtained by the 2- step process or the 1-step process, may be used as the starting point for the next step, to produce l5-carboethoxy 14,15 dehydrodesoxyequilenin. This is done as follows:

To a cool solution of 0.74 g. of potassium dissolved in 30cc. of drytertiary-butyl alcohol is added 6.6 cc. of 'diethyl succinate, followed by 2.00 g. of crude Z-cyano-l-keto-2-methyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydrophenanthrene. The system containing the solution is evacuated, filled with nitrogen, and then stoppered and shaken mechanically for 7 hours. After the first 3 hours nearly all of the solid material is in solution and the reaction mixture is deep red; by the end of the shaking period, however, a light yellow precipitate has formed. An excess of dilute hydrochloric acid is added to the mixture, and most of the solvent is then removed under reduced pressure. A small amount of water is added, then theorganic residue is taken up in a mixture of benzene and ether, and the water and benzeneether layers are allowed to separate on standing and the water layer is discarded; and the benzene-ether layer is washed successively with dilute hydrochloric acid, water, three portions of dilute potassium hydroxide solution, once again with water, and finally with saturated salt solution. The thus-washed benzene solution is dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and concentrated to a small volume under reduced pressure, to leave a residual light red oil. This is diluted with hot methanol. 15 -carboethoxy- 14,15-dehydrodesoxyequilenin slowly crystallizes out as the solution cools, as a light pink product; which amounts to about 1.50 g., and melts at about 151l53.5 C. This 15-carboethoxy- 14,15-dehydro material is of sufficient purity for the next step in the synthesis. The product may be purified, however, if desired, by recrystallization from methanol; which gives faintly pink crystals melting at l52.5-153.5 C.

The analysis shows: Calculated for 021112003: C, 78.74%; H, 6.29%. Found: C, 78.55%, 78.49%; H, 6.23%, 6.22%.

The l5-carboethoxy-14,15-dehydrodesoxyequilenin is now hydrolyzed, in almost quantitative yield, to l5-carboxy-15,16-dehydrodesoxyequilenin; which involves not only a conversion of the carboethoxy group at the -position to a carboxy group, but a shifting of the double bond in ring D from the 14-15 position to the 15-16 position. To do this a mixture of 1.00 g. of the crude 15-carboethoxy-14,15-dehydro compound just obtained, and 1.00 g. of barium hydroxide octahydrate in cc. of 80% alcohol, is boiled under reflux conditions in an atmosphere of nitrogen for 1 /2 hours. The resulting solution is concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue is acidified with excess dilute hydrochloric acid; which effects the precipitation of an oil. This oil is extracted with ether, and the ether solution is in turn extracted with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate. Acidification of the sodium bicarbonate extract, as by hydrochloric acid, gives about 0.88 g. (a 97% yield) of light yellow crystals of l5-carboxy-l5,l6-dehydrodesoxyequilenin, which melts at about 228- 231 C. with decomposition. This l5-carboxy acid may be purified, if desired, by recrystallization from alcohol.

The analysis shows: Calculated for 0191-11603: C, 78.06%; H, 5.52%. Found: C, 77.76%; H, 5.44%. p

The dehydrodesoxyequilenins may be prepared by decarboxylation of this 15-carboxy acid; but

it is also convenient to prepare them directly from l5-carboethoxy-14,15-dehydrodesoxyequilenin. This is accomplished by the fifth step of the complete synthesis of desoxyequilenin, which is outlined in the general description given which the lower-carboalkoxy'group' is the carboabove andis set forth in detail in the aforesaid parent application Serial No. 700,380, of which this application is a division.

We claim as our invention:

1. The process of producing a 15-carboalkoxy- 14,15-dehydroequilenin compound, which consists in condensing a Z-cyano-l-keto-7-R-2 methyll,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene, in which R is a member of the class consisting of hydrogen and lower alkoxy groups, with a di-lower-alkyl succinate, in the presence of an alkali-metal tertiarylower-alkoxide.

2. The process as set forth in claim 1, in which the dialkyl succinate is dimethyl succinate.

3. The process as set forth in claim 1, in which the dialkyl succinate is diethyl succinate.

4. The process as set forth in claim 1, in which the alkali-metal tertiary-lower-alkoxide is potas slum tertiarybutoxide.

5. A 15-lower-carboa1koxy-14,15-dehydroequilenin ether, in which the ether group is a lower alkoxy group.

6. 15 carbomethoxy -l4,15- dehydroequilinen methyl ether.

7. l5 carboethoxy 14,15 dehydroequilenin methyl ether.

8. 15 carbo-tertiary-butoxy 14,15 dehydroequilenin methyl ether.

9. A 15-lower carboalkoxy-14,15-dehydrodesoxyequilenin.

10. 15 carboethoxy 14,15 dehydrodesoxyequilenin.

11. The process of producing a 15-carboxy- 15,16-dehydroequilenin compound, which consists in hydrolyzing a l5-carboalkoxy-l4,l5-dehydroequilenin compound.

12. The process as set forth in claim 11, in which the hydrolysis is carried out with barium hydroxide followed by hydrochloric acid.

13. l5-carboxy-l5,IG-dehydroequilenin methyl ether.

14. A 15-lower-carboalkoxy-3-R-l4,l5-dehydroequilenin compound, in which R is a member of the class consisting of hydrogen and lower alkoxy groups.

15. A 15-1ower-carboalkoxy-3-R-14,15-dehydroequilenin compound as set forth in claim 14, in

methoxy group.

16. A 15lower-carboalkoxy-3-R-14,15-dehydroequilenin compound as set forth in claim 14, in

which the lower-carboalko-xy group is the carboethoxy group.

17. A 15-lower-carboalkoxy-3-R-14,15-dehydroequilenin compound as set forth in claim 14, in which the lower-carboalkoxy group is the carbotertiary-butoxy group.

18. A l5-carboxy-3-R-15,16-dehydroequilenin compound in which R is a member of the class consisting of hydrogen and lower alkoxy groups.

19. A 15-R-3-R-dehydroequilenin compound which has a double bond in ring D extending from the 15 position, and in whichR is a member of the class consisting of hydrogen and lower alkoxy groups, and R is a group in which n is an integer between 0 and 4 inclusive.

WILLIAM S. JOHNSON. JACK W. PETERSEN. CARL DAVID GUTSCHE.

(References on following page) 2,528,001 i5 REFERENCES CITED OTHER REFERENCES The following references are of record in the Eachmann Chem- 1 5 file of this patent; 2034-2083 (1940).

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 7 2,265,417 Bockmuhl Dec. 9, 1941 Certificate of Correction October 31, 1950 Patent No. 2,528,001

WILLIAM S. JOHNSON ET AL. It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 1 lines 44: and 45, for tetrahydrophenantherene read tetra- Ytydrophenantfirene; column 2, lines 13 to 17 inclusive, for that portion of the formula reading column 10, line 14, for varium read barium;

ead as corrected above, so that the and that the said Letters Patent should be 1." same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice. Signed and sealed this 13th day of February, A. D. 1951 THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

1. THE PROCESS OF PRODUCING A 15-CARBOALKOXY14,15-DEHYDROEQUILENIN COMPOUND, WHICH CONSISTS IN CONDENSING A 2-CYANO-1-KETO-7-R-2 METHYL1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROPHENANTHRENE, IN WHICH R IS A MEMBER OF THE CLASS CONSISTING OF HYDROGEN AND LOWER ALKOXY GROUPS, WITH A DI-LOWER-ALKYL SUCCINATE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ALKALI-METAL TERTIARYLOWER-ALKOXIDE. 